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Over 1.2 million people in England have a learning disability and face significant health inequalities compared with the rest of the population.
Our vision
Children, young people and adults with a learning disability, autism or both have the right to the same opportunities as anyone else to live satisfying and valued lives, and to be treated with dignity and respect.
People with a learning disability should have a home of their own within their community, be able to develop and maintain relationships, and have the support needed to live healthy, safe and rewarding lives.
Breaking down barriers to care – Your dental appointment – A positive choice
In conjunction with Learning Disability week 2021, we worked with partners to produce a video to outline the steps you can take to provide a positive experience for dental patients. You can also find out more on the British Dental Association website:
https://www.bda.org/news-centre/blog/Pages/Breaking-down-barriers-to-care.aspx
Some families and carers looking after those with learning disabilities or autism, may need extra support at this time. We are promoting awareness of two resources on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). PBS is a person-centred approach to bring long-term support to people with a learning disability, autistic people or those who have both, who have or may be at risk of developing, behaviours that challenge - this includes children, young people and adults.
This video aims to give healthcare staff an awareness of what can cause challenging behaviour and what can be done to support people and families before medication or admission become options. This resource on the HEE Star also has information about PBS. Please share these with families and carers of people with learning disabilities and autistic people, learning disability employers and voluntary sector organisations working in this field.
Useful links
HEE has been working in partnership with other organisations to create the All-England Plan for Learning Disability Nurses. This is an easy-read version. The plan outlines our commitment to making sure we have enough learning disability nurses in the future and details how the NHS plans to improve the quality of care for people with learning disabilities or autism.
Education and skills development are about all the ways healthcare staff can learn to do their roles to support people with a learning disability, autism or both. It includes how healthcare staff become trained, qualified and stay up-to-date.
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Leadership is about making sure that teams and services are well-led and well-supported, and that they are always working together to improve the quality of care.
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